Earth Science Week

Tips for successful Earth Science Week experiences

There are a variety of activities in which
you can get involved, depending on your skills and interests. The following tips
can greatly increase the success of your outreach experience:

Examine how your research relates to the quality
of human life.

If you plan to discuss your research with the public, spend some time examining
how your research relates to the lives of your audience. This gives both you and
your audience a sense of the value of your work, and encourages your audience
to view scientists as approachable and interesting.

Start planning your project now.

Leave yourself plenty of time to contact the appropriate people and organizations.
Starting your planning early: (a) leaves time to make alternate plans should something
fall through, (b) increases the likelihood that the schedule(s) of your target
audience(s) will be free, (c) gives you time to think about the details, and (d)
minimizes stressful last minute preparations.

Work on your project with a local educator.

For many geoscientists, language-simplification is the greatest barrier to
effective communication. One way to surmount this difficulty is to work on your
project with a local geoscience educator. Educators are masters at translating
scientific lingo into language the public understands. Look for geoscience educator
partners at your children's school or at the education department of a local museum
or science center. For a listing of science centers for 44 states and 23 foreign
countries, check out the Association
of Science - Technology Centers Web site.

If appropriate, involve the media.

Involving the media is an easy way to increase the size of the audience you
reach during Earth Science Week. Invite the press if you plan to host an open
house at your research institute, lead a public field trip, or assist with a geoscience
fair at a local school.